The Galactic thin and thick discs in the context of galaxy formation

Abstract

We have obtained high-resolution spectra and carried out a detailed elemental abundance analysis for a new sample of 899 F and G dwarf stars in the Solar neighbourhood. The results allow us to, in a multi-dimensional space consisting of stellar ages, detailed elemental abundances, and full kinematic information for the stars, study and trace their respective origins. Here we briefly address selection criteria and discuss how to define a thick disc star. The results are discussed in the context of galaxy formation.

Contributed talk at Chemical abundances in the Universe, connecting first stars to planets, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Volume 265, K. Cunha, M. Spite and B. Barbuy, eds, Cambridge University Press, in press